A DROP of wet weather failed to dampen spirits at the 42nd World Pea Shooting Championships staged at Witcham on Saturday, with more than 150 entrants taking aim at the hay backed targets.

And although attendance was slightly down, the event still raised nearly �2,000 for the village hall, and competition was fierce as adults and children fought for the honours.

Former world champion Ian Ashmeade - who has written a book called “It’s Only Pea Shooting,” - was toppled from top spot by one of his team members, Rob Breslar, who became the new world champion.

Ladies champion was Julie Bissmire, Callum Bogunovic was the junior champion, and Ian Ashmeade’s four-man team, Easy Riders, took the glory in the team event.

Village hall committee chairman Joy Walker said: “Although numbers were slightly down, we raised more than �1,900 for maintaining the village hall. We had to hold the competition in the car park, because the recreation ground field was to wet, but we were very pleased at the number of people who came out to support us, including some new faces.”

Alongside the championships, visitors enjoyed the fete that included a barbecue, bottle stall, bric-a-brac, jewellery and book stalls, and a number of side shows.

Joy added:”We were really pleased with the amount of money we raised, everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a really lovely atmosphere.

“We would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Kings of Witcham, J and J Construction, and Bibbys Turf Nursery, as well as everyone who worked hard to make the championships such a success again this year.”